Monthly Archives: February 2017

Ella Foord, 27, from Whitby, has urged more young people to begin pursuing an education either through apprenticeships or training schemes with companies.

Ella, who works as a Trainee Estimator at Seymour Civil Engineering, and is undertaking a degree in Quantity Surveying at Northumbria University, is having her degree sponsored by her company.

She said: “Doing a degree through my employer gives me that motivation to finish. At Seymour they encourage me to do better and improve myself.

“I like the fact Seymour encourages you to go through education as well as work. They don’t treat me like a trainee and trust me with responsibilities and are constantly pushing me to achieve and giving me the motivation and encouragement to improve.”

Ella, who joined the company in 2014, is currently enjoying working on a plethora of exciting projects.

She explained: “The best part of the job is working with new construction techniques and learning about the many different aspects of construction and civil engineering.

“I’m currently working on estimating contracts for local authorities, private housing developers and main contractors. Even though I’m a trainee I’m given responsibility and guidance, which is important”

Ella is a keen advocate of training on the job whilst improving her knowledge and recommends others consider apprenticeships and further education courses to continually expand their mind and advance their career prospects.

She added: “I would encourage more young people to do an apprenticeship or start a training scheme as experience is vital.

“My training scheme offers me the valuable experience needed to do the job and young people may be able to get their degree paid for by the company they work for, like I have.

“Young people should have a keen interest in the area they want to go in. I was interested in mathematics and construction and I love the show Grand Designs so I love my position here.

“My advice would be to get into something like a training scheme. It’s a great opportunity if you can return the dedication to the role that your company gives you.”